In today’s NBA, we see players score 50, 60, and, once in a while, even 70 points in a game. We also see players get triple-doubles so commonly now. Yet, no one in today’s NBA has captured something that seems impossible, but something so historic, and that’s a quadruple-double. In order to accomplish this feat, a player must get double figures in four of the five individual statistic categories, which includes points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.
The History
Throughout the history of the NBA, a quadruple-double has only happened five times since the NBA started recording blocks and steals in 1973. The first player to accomplish a quadruple-double was Nate Thurmond, who recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks on October 18, 1974. The last to do it was David Robinson when he recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 blocks on February 17, 1994. Hakeem Olajuwon is the only player in NBA history to ever accomplish this feat more than once, not only in the same season but in the same month on March 3 and March 29, 1990. Alvin Robertson recorded the second-ever quadruple-double when he put up 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals.
Quadruple-Double Potential in the NBA Now
When I think of the quadruple-double in basketball, I like to compare it to the “Perfect Game” in baseball. It’s something that’s so amazing, but happens so rarely. For it to happen in the modern-day NBA might seem impossible, but there are a couple of players that could accomplish it. I think Russell Westbrook is the closest to accomplish a quadruple-double. He’s averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons. If he makes a step on the defensive side, I can see him getting a quadruple-double. The other player I see is Anthony Davis. His size and scoring ability can’t be ignored. He’s been close a few times and I think his new position with the Lakers will put less pressure on him.
Will it happen again?
From everything I can see, a quadruple-double is one of the hardest individual feats in sports history. It’s something that legends such as Kobe, Kareem, Shaq, even Lebron and Jordan could never accomplish. I think it will happen again, but I don’t know if it will anytime soon. I think it’s because basketball is constantly evolving. The way the game is played today is different than the way it was played in the earlier years. However, at the same time, crazy things have happened in the NBA. So, it could happen again sooner than expected.
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